Most expensive toy sold in UK

The rare toy ship.

A rare model battleship has become the most expensive single toy ever sold in the UK after fetching a staggering £89,000 at auction.

The HMS Terrible is a steam-powered vessel which was made by German toy-maker Marklin in 1905.

Special Auction Services in Newbury, Berks, were hoping the 63cm ship would fetch £60,000.

But a fierce bidding frenzy broke out between two European collectors — with the hammer eventually slamming down at £76,000 in front of a stunned audience.

The buyer’s premium bumps the price up to £89,000, the same as a brand-new Aston Martin.

Auctioneer Hugo Marsh said: “It is the most expensive thing we have sold.

“As far as we know, it the most expensive single toy ever sold in the UK. We’re extremely chuffed with the result.”

The toy’s design was based on a 1895 Royal Navy ship used during the Boer War.- www.thesun.co.uk